In 2025, Moldova remained heavily dependent on imports of milk and dairy products, with Ukraine supplying more than two-thirds of the products available on the domestic market, ProAgro Group reports.

According to Moldovan outlet rupor.md, citing data from the country’s Customs Service, between January and November 2025 Moldova imported 26.7 thousand tonnes of milk and dairy products worth a total of $23.4 million. The largest share of raw milk used as input came from Ukraine — 16.8 thousand tonnes, accounting for 66.1% of total imports. Other major suppliers included Romania, Poland, and Belarus.

Customs data also show that Moldova imported finished dairy products, including sour cream and dairy blends.

In the high-fat sour cream segment (over 10% fat), Ukraine’s share was even higher, exceeding 80% of total imports. Ukraine also led in supplies of milk and sour cream with added sweeteners, where its share reached nearly 68% of imports.

Overall, Ukraine significantly outperformed competitors from Romania, Poland, and Belarus in dairy product supplies.

Moldovan experts note that this strong dependence on Ukrainian dairy imports is driven by close trade ties between the two countries and their geographical proximity, which substantially reduces logistics costs for importers.

Previously, it was reported that Moldova will abolish licensing requirements for imports of Ukrainian grain and oilseeds in 2026.

Source: Open4Business